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You can probably find a manual from Sears. They carry a ton of Kenmore user manuals.

First thing to always try--insert a brand new needle!

Bobbins do usually have a specific way of being loaded. Most machines require the bobbin to be inserted into the bobbin case so when you pull on the thread tail, the bobbin turns clockwise (this is when you are looking at the backside of the bobbin case - at the bobbin). Also, be sure to thread the bobbin thread through the bobbin tension mechanism.

P.S.--if your Kenmore is non-computerized (ie, mechanical) be sure to oil using fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil (NOT cooking oil, 3-in-1, WD-40, or old stinky brown stuff that may be in the accessory box). Apply a couple of drops every place metal rubs on metal (while hand-rotating the handwheel). Do NOT oil nylon, rubber, or belts!

If your older Kenmore is mechanical (not computerized), it probably can use a bit of oiling beyond what the manual recommends. Older machines frequently were pre-oiled at the factory, however, after many years, the oil tends to dry out and cause the mechanical parts to stick (the reason most older machines are frozen). Perhaps this link will be of help:

I believe your Kenmore is an older mechanical machine. If so, how long has it been since you've given it a good cleaning and oiling? Mechanical machines need frequent TLC, otherwise the old oil turns into a glue-like substance and starts sticking things together, including your selector levers and dials. Give your machine's bobbin area a good cleaning with a soft brush to remove dust and lint.

Then, use ONLY fresh good quality sewing machine oil. Open the case top and free arm cover (if it has one--if it is a flat bed, tilt the machine back so you can access the moving parts under the sewing surface), gently handrotate the handwheel toward you, watch where metal rubs metal and apply 1-2 drops of oil. (Your owner's manual may have instructions for oiling and your machine may also have oil ports--little holes-- where oil should be applied.) Do not skip the feed dog moving parts. Also, there is usually an oil port behind the bobbin mechanism next to the case. Put a single drop of oil on the bobbin race. Do NOT oil plastic, rubber, or belts! Be sure to move the selector levers and dials and, if possible, apply a couple of drops to their moving parts as well. To help loosen things quicker, direct hot air from a handheld hairdryer into the internal mechanics of the machine. Repeat the oil/heat process until things are moving freely.

In the future, be sure to give your machine a thorough cleaning and oiling after about 40 hours of sewing use. A drop of oil on the bobbin race is good every 8 hours. If your machine sets unused, oil every six months to keep it operating.

Do you have your owners manual? If not, go to Sears parts direct and buy one. This will tell you where to put the oil. Now you probably will want to get under the throat plate, just use a small stubby screwdriver and take off the throat plate, usually you find something that looks like felt and thread. There is not felt, so clean that little bugger out. Sometimes you can find tips on the internet for lubricating and cleaning. I think the repair person was not very knowledgeable to say that, the older machines made better than anything today. Take care of it, I still have my first sewing machine, an Old Kenmore and it is my work horse, It will sew anything that my new expensive machines cannot handle.

Sure! Jenny at http://blog.sew-classic.com/categories/Sewing%20Machine%20Repair.aspx has several very good, in-depth articles about servicing your own machine, but here are the basic steps:

1. Take out the bobbin case and bobbin holder.2. Take the needle plate off. 3. Brush out all the old lint in the bobbin area and under the needle plate. Remove any loose bit of thread.4. Open the head of the machine (should swing open). Clean any lint or thread that's caught in there. 5. Locate your machine's oil ports and put one drop of sewing machine oil (only use sewing machine oil) in each of them. One drop is sufficient. General rule of thumb: Put one drop of oil wherever metal moves against metal. 6. Using unwaxed dental floss, floss the tension disks. 7. Put everything back together.

If you need a manual, I found one at http://pages.sewing-machine-manuals.com/173/InventoryPage/1834489/1.html.

Remove the top and bottom covers. Turn the wheel and put a drop of oil anyplace that moves and rubs.Also at the ends of each shaft. Open the side cover and oil the needle bar and all the parts inside that move and rub.Put a drop of oil on the hook.Do not put a good piece of fabric in the machine right after you've oiled it. Sew it off on some scraps that you can throw away.sewman7

It sounds as if your machine needs a little oiling. If you have a clear machine oil (not 3 in 1). place a drop in the bobbin case area and if you will notice, you will see small holes on the bed and on the top of the machine. place a drop of oil into each of these holes. If you can take the top and bottom covers off, you can put a drop of oil every where you see a hole..some of the machines actually have the oil holes painted a red color. Also place a drop at the handwheel as well. Just remember when oiling, less is better. After oiling, run for a few minutes, if you feel it still needs a litte more, do the same, one drop at a time. After this, if you machine sets for a while, oil just before starting to sew, that way when you put the machine away the oil has been worked through and it should help prevent the squeaking when starting up again.